Strengthening the Future of General Aviation

By ANN Contributor Aleta Vinas

"Learning to fly is the foundation upon which every segment of aviation is built," says the Be a Pilot brochure. No one is born with the ability to fly. Even baby birds must be taught. The Be a Pilot program is reaching out through today's most popular medium -- television -- bringing a new generation of flyers to the airport.

The Be A Pilot program was started in 1997 by AOPA President Phil Boyer, among others. He has this to say of the program: "The long-term success of Be a Pilot and the future of aviation are inextricably linked."

The program is run by General Aviation Team 2000. The team is made up of aviation leaders dedicated to involving both Canadians and residents of the US in flying. A few of the dedicated individuals involved include Jack Olcott of General Aero Company, Phil Michel  of Cessna Aircraft Company and Alan Klapmeier of Cirrus Design Corp.

The aviation industry has a big stake in maintaining a continuous supply of pilots. Major sponsors include AOPA, Cessna Aircraft Company, Mooney Aerospace and Sporty's Pilot Shop. Paula Derks, President of Aircraft Electronics Association says, "Today's investment in Be A Pilot becomes tomorrow's return for continued success in the General Aviation industry."

The Be A Pilot program's focus is training future pilots. Over 200,000 people have registered for the introductory flight certificate, and over 40,000 have taken their $49 introductory flight. More than 30,000 of those have continued beyond the introductory lesson. Almost 5,000 are on the FAA pilot registry, over 200 have progressed beyond Private Pilot. The Be A Pilot program demonstrates that flying is purposeful, affordable, productive and fun.

FMI: www.beapilot.com